A dip in the price of groceries and household energy helped to offset increased gasoline prices. The data are not adjusted for typical seasonal patterns such as introduction of fall and spring merchandise, school calendars and planting and harvesting schedules, which can cause prices to shift from one month to another.

Over the past 12 months, prices in Houston have risen 1.4 percent, according to the bureau.

"The issue with the economy remains job creation, consumer confidence and the fiscal cliff," he said, referring to the scheduled increase in tax rates coupled with widespread cutbacks in government spending that are expected to cause financial havoc unless averted by lawmakers by the end of the year.

In the Houston area, overall food prices increased 0.2 percent in September and October mostly because the cost of restaurant meals jumped 0.7 percent while grocery prices dipped 0.1 percent.

Shoppers paid less for juices, steaks and apples while paying more for a variety of fresh vegetables, according to the labor statistics bureau.

Over the past year, food prices are up 1.8 percent in the Houston area.

Houston-area consumers paid 0.9 percent less for energy during September and October, largely because of a 4.5 percent drop in the cost of electricity. That, in turn, caused overall housing costs to dip 0.2 percent over the period.

At the same time, the price for gasoline rose 0.4 percent.

The so-called core rate of inflation - all items except food and energy - edged up 0.2 percent during September and October. A 9.1 percent surge in the cost of apparel was the largest contributor to the increase, especially women's suits, separates and footwear. Other factors include higher prices to rent a house or apartment and higher college tuition and fees.